What this 4-pole MCCB is and where it fits
The Siemens 3VA1196-3GF42-0AA0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for line protection, rated at 16 A continuous with a 4-pole configuration. It carries a TM240 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release, meaning the thermal trip element is fixed at 16 A while the magnetic short-circuit pickup is adjustable — typical for feeder and distribution panels where you need basic overload and short-circuit protection without electronic adjustability. The 70 mm depth and 101.6 mm width fit standard MCCB mounting footprints in distribution boards or motor control centers.
Thermal derating and operating range
The breaker holds its full 16 A rating from 40 °C up to 55 °C ambient. At 60 °C and 65 °C it derates to 15 A, and at 70 °C it stays at 15 A. That's a clean derating curve — no surprise drop at 50 °C. Operating ambient range is -25 °C to 70 °C, storage from -40 °C to 80 °C. The IP40 protection on the front means it's protected against tools and wires over 1 mm, but not against water ingress — suitable for indoor panel mounting, not washdown areas.
Panel integration notes
The 101.6 mm width (4 inches) and 130 mm height (5.12 inches) match the standard 4-pole MCCB footprint for DIN-rail or panel-mount installation. Depth of 70 mm (2.76 inches) leaves clearance for rear-access busbars or cabling. No undervoltage release, no shunt trip, no communication module — it's a straight thermal-magnetic breaker with no auxiliary electronics. Power loss is 10.6 W maximum at rated load, so account for that heat in a sealed enclosure.